Upavasa (fasting) is deeply rooted in Indian culture. It is adhered to many of religious festivals in India. Fasting by Mahatma Gandhi is still alive in mind and heart of Indians. Agni Purana (chapter 175) cites the details of Vrata (fasting) as Tapa. Upavasa is suggested for spiritual, psychological and physical well beings. Sanatan Dharma suggests fasting for strengthening determination by denial of physical needs of the body. It is controlled by brain. Ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus is related to ‘satiety center’ while dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus is connected to GI stimulation. A postulation deals the governing activity of ‘satiety center’ under the control of glucose utilization signaling in neurons. A study of Kaye el. al. (2009) published in Nature Neuroscience highlights the direct relationship of fasting with decreasing level of Serotonin (5-hyoxytryptophan). This is associated with increased number of serotonin receptors to work sufficiently. That in turn stimulates Serotonin release. Robinson (2019) have already published his research in Plos Biology that Serotonin in beta cells of pancreas releases insulin to regulate blood sugar.
A new research published online in www.news-medical.net revealed the regulation of blood glucose level through intermittent fasting through period of normal eating. Weight loss is predominantly not observed. The study was conducted on mice, and it was observed that these mice were unable to produce appetite regulating hormone, leptin. The study disagreed the previous finding about signaling of obesity based on impaired leptin in human. However, finding suggests for day to day level enquiries as more important. Even Charak Chikitsathana 6/25 mentions fasting in Kaphaja Prameha.
Charak Sutrasthana chapter 22 cites fasting under Langhana therapy as a treatment procedure for many alterations. The nature and intensity are recommended according to desired effects and individual physiological body. Charak Chikitsasthana 19/19 advocates for fasting therapy in slightly aggravated dosas. An apprehension of Ayurvedic Principles in contexts of modern physiological details of neuronal networks may divulge many related mysteries.
